A good Stoic does not engage in gossip, nor any kind of negative talk behind someone's back. Such talk is unproductive, dishonest, and certainly not virtuous. The pleasure derived from secretly revelling in another person's inadequacies should be anathema to a good Stoic, who achieves contentment and happiness only through actions of purely virtuous intent.
I wasn't a very good Stoic today.
Yesterday I did a reasonably good job of curtailing my involvement in negative conversation. I passively and noncommittally observed a number of opportunities to follow another's lead in gossiping. On a couple of occasions I slipped and started to contribute, but quite quickly caught myself.
Today I had a generally busier and more intellectually challenging day and my mind was quite focussed. I think this focus had a side effect of lowering my Stoic guard, and on reflection I am aware of a number of occasions where I automatically participated in moments of conversation that were not very virtuous.
There is a euphoria that comes with sharing an unflattering story with a fellow conspirator. But it is fleeting and only self-serving within that brief moment. It does nothing to help anyone grow or improve their character or their contribution.
I wasn't a very good Stoic today, but I'll try to be a better one tomorrow.
Simon
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